Carl Patrick Anderson of rural Lindstrom, was found innocent of charges of second degree murder filed against him for the death of Donn Johnson, on February 22,2017. The complaint alleged second degree murder without intent, not premeditated and also second degree murder while committing a felony (assault).

Anderson admitted to discharging a handgun and shooting Johnson about 12:33 p.m. Feb 22, 2017. He called 9-1-1 and informed the dispatcher what had just transpired and he told authorities where he was and awaited deputies and EMS to arrive at the scene of the shooting, on Lindo Trail, near Sunrise Lake. They found a single bullet near Anderson’s truck where he had fired from the front seat striking Johnson in the chest. Johnson was lying on the ground near an ATV he had used for transport.

Earl Gray, Anderson’s defense attorney, pursued a self defense argument that apparently convinced the jury that Anderson had no option but to shoot Johnson. (See opening remarks story Press May 17)

Chisago County Attorney Janet Reiter said her office filed the criminal charges because it believed Anderson had the ability and the duty to retreat under Minnesota self defense laws, and the prosecution presented this evidence to the jury.

“While we are disappointed in the jury verdict we strongly believe in and respect the criminal justice system and work of the jury,” she concluded.